Kyūka Park

Kyūka Park (九華公園 kyūka kōen) is an old park in central Kuwana that is especially popular in the spring and during the mid-summer fireworks.

Features

The park has a few different parts. In the north has a grassy area right along the river, in the middle there are some paths and a lot of trees, and in the southern part there is a lake with some wooden walkways over the water.

Events

• Hanami

  Spring sees the blooming of the cherry blossoms and tsutsuji which will bring many people to the park. It is particularly popular in early April for the weeping sakura, and their will be food stalls around the park and a general festival atmosphere.

• Sumo

  The north end of the park is sometimes home to sumo practices for the local sumo stable (the only one in Mie). These practices take place more especially in the lead up to the Nagoya Sumo Tournament in July.

• Fireworks

  The Kuwana fireworks do not actually take place in the park, they are held over the nearby Nagara River, however the north end of the park is the best place to watch from. The park will be full of people and food/drink vendors, and is in general just a really fun atmosphere.

Maps

• Google map

Directions

By Train

Get yourself to Kuwana (桑名) Station by either Kintetsu, JR, or the Sangi Railway.

Head out of east exit (JR side) of the station. Turn left, walk a a short ways, and turn right. You'll be on a main road that leads all the way to the park, though it will take at least 15 minutes. Buses run in this direction as well.

By Car

East or Route 1 through downtown Kuwana, near Kuwana Station.